Fear and College

Fear seems to dominate the headlines:

• Dread of catching the flu makes many get the shot
• Reports of coming inclement weather send fretful shoppers to stock up on food and batteries
• The uncertain economy prompts apprehensive investors to move their retirement funds to safer havens
• Recent school shootings make many parents nervous as they send their children to school

Fear often surfaces among prospective college students:

• Will I find friends?
• Will I like the classes?
• Will I end up in debt?
• Can I get a job with a college degree?
• What if I pick the wrong college?

How do we deal with our fears?  Human existence includes fear.  No wonder the Bible mentions fear 483 times.  Yet the Christian worldview offers two hopes in light of fear:

• In 87 Bible verses God tells us, “Do not be afraid”
• It also tells us on 16 occasions to “fear God”

In short, those two truths summarize Christian education.  In and out of the classroom, the curriculum calls for a reverence and, yes, fear of God.   Once that is in place, other fears fall into a whole new context.  The only way to survive the dark world of fear is in the light of God’s love.

Did you get the point?  If you did, don’t be afraid–you’ll get an “A” in Christian education.